Offseason Questions & a Trade Proposal

by derekk on Jun 16, 2009 11:46 PM MDT Comment 27 comments

Im wondering who is staying and leaving from the Jazz this summer? Okur, Boozer, Millsap, AK47, Korver? Which players do the Jazz fans want to keep, and the Jazz team seem rumored to want to keep? Atleast in terms of priorities, or can the Jazz just resign every impact player this summer?

If the Jazz traded AK47 (Who Iv heard has lost alot of impact switching from PF to SF because of Millsap/Boozer) and Harpring (a 10 min. player at 6.5mil) to the Magic for Rashard Lewis and a 500k-800k 1yr Magic player, the Jazz would gain about 4.4-4.5mil extra salary room immediately this summer to help resign both Boozer, Millsap or the other impact players. I dont know if it'd be enough because of the above questions I have, but I'm pretty sure it'd be enough wiggle room. Rashard Lewis is a combo forward, but a natural SF. He are his latest season numbers: 17.7PPG, 5.8RPG, 2.6APG, 1.0SPG, 44%FG, 40%3PT, 83%FT.

Scouting report: Rashard Lewis is a deadly shooter, and at 6-10 it's extremely difficult for defenders to challenge his shots. That ability also makes him a post threat against smaller defenders, but with the move to the frontcourt and the presence of Dwight Howard in the middle, we rarely saw that in Orlando. (side note: this bumps his PPG down abit, along with being a 3rd-4th option most times, but is very capable of 20+ PPG seasons esp. back in his natural SF spot) Lewis is a good driver, but its an uncommon part of his game, as he likes to take mostly jumpers and 3's at good accuracies. He likes to create a shot without dribbling by making a jab move and then going up with his sweet jumper. Lewis has also had a career high in APG last season, by using his length and improving his passing and court vision. Defensively, Lewis will never be an elite performer. However, his length is an obstacle for opposing shooters, and he's made much more concerted efforts in his last two seasons to become a slightly above average defender. His ability to defend power forwards at least somewhat competently was an underrated reason Orlando's system (using two SFs together w/ 1 center, no PFs) worked last season.

I think Lewis would be a great fit for the Jazz, with Millsap and/or Boozer inside and Williams wreaking havoc everywhere, Lewis' clutch shooting alone out on the perimeter is a great compliment. Everything else seems like gravy. He has a long term contract after that, thats not necessarily pretty I admit, but the reason why i suggest is because Lewis is still an absolutely amazing player; without him no Magic finals run this year, he has hit clutch shots all playoffs long until LA when the whole Magic sucked, he'd space the floor with sharpshooting and not be a defensive liability at all, esp with his length. And it should serve the dual-purpose of giving the Jazz enough salary space to resign whoever they want this very summer, as I made the trades as close to the mathematically possible lines for salary surplus to the Jazz.

Like it, don't like it, be intrigued by it, let me know about that trade, and have fun talking about it. And if anyone can answer the Offseason questions too please, Id much appreciate.

All comments are the opinion of the commenter and not necessarily that of SLC Dunk or SB Nation.

0 recs | Comment 27 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

The trade

I’d bite on it. Losing AK would probably hurt defensively, but he probably has to go anyways. Having Lewis would counter the starting of Brewer (who really doesn’t have a jumper) and would make things easier down low for Booze or ’Sap or whoever. Harpring is, in my mind, more or less done. He brings some physical play… which is nice, but only at times. As for the other player for the Magic… the trade would work without him. Or with someone like Adonal Foyle or JJ Redick.

As for the off-season, no idea on what’s happening (I asked CJ Miles, but he said he didn’t know). The team will probably only be able to keep one of Boozer/‘Sap… I think if Booze is going to get as much money as he want, I’d prefer they keep ’Sap.

Not sure what’s up with Okur & Korver… they can both opt out but I haven’t heard anything from either side. As for AK… he might have to be traded just so the Jazz can resign Booze & ‘Sap (if that is their goal). The Jazz rumors have been relatively quiet so-far… so it’s hard to get an idea of what they’re thinking/doing.

True Blue Jazz
Bucco Ball
I'm on Twitter
RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on Jun 17, 2009 9:38 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

derekk...

can you explain why you’d bite on this trade? is it a salary thing, need for defense, something else…?

by moni on Jun 17, 2009 12:27 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

good question, i didnt really describe magic's view.

The idea is salary freedom, tho I dont like that it wont happen until 2011 summer and not in the 2010 summer because thats when AK47 finishes his own bloated contract. The other motive is that AK47 at PF for the Magic could make him a really effective player once again, as he’s still relatively young and would defend in the paint more again. He also seems to fit quite nicely with the offense style of the Magic too. Harpring is a former Magic player, itd be nice to have him back, and have some mins behind F spots with his toughness. But main thing is salary freedom down the road for the Magic.

by derekk on Jun 17, 2009 1:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

I really don’t see it happening – nobody really wants AK’s contract.

by MelMan2002 on Jun 17, 2009 12:42 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

As a Jazz fan, yes I would strongly consider this move. But as long as the Magic are contenders, they won't blow up their core.

The Magic wouldn’t like this deal I don’t think.

The more you try to erase me, the more that I appear.

by clarkpojo on Jun 17, 2009 1:27 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

What if we gave them Booze instead of AK?

I don’t know if that works, but Booze gives them a good complement to Howard… well, at least offensively.

If they’d take AK for him… I’m starting to like that deal more and more. For either Lewis or Turkoglu (who I’d prefer).

True Blue Jazz
Bucco Ball
I'm on Twitter
RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on Jun 17, 2009 2:53 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Assuming Jazz want ’Sap over Boozer and not even together, sign and trading a resigned Boozer + Harpring does the trick and saves about 2-4mil too again. But I think Jazz might have to let him walk, or could sign and trade for a few other better deals when it concerns Boozer-caliber of a player, atleast in terms of future cap. Lewis would be sick in a Jazz jersey with Deron!

by derekk on Jun 17, 2009 3:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

AK for Turk

I’ll give you a nickel for that shiny quarter…

I'll make it coach.

by MTN on Jun 17, 2009 8:54 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought I heard

Boozer sign and trade to the Nets for Vince Carter. I would rather have Vince Carter then Rashard Lewis. Vince would complete a monstrous backcourt tandem with DWill. Vince can score dish and play some D. If he can play in Toronto…he can play in Utah.

Anyone else like to see Vince Carter in a Jazz uniform?

"You can live for Nothing or die for Something, it's your call" - John Rambo

by Matt_Grbac on Jun 17, 2009 3:42 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

ah... no

Vince Carter is one of those players that is great in NBA live, but probably not the type of player you want playing for your team in real life.

As for his time in Toronto, the less said the better :)

I think a couple of years ago there were rumours of an AK for Carter swap, but Larry wasn’t interested in it.. Carter hit a buzzer beater a couple days later against the Jazz as well and didn’t exactly endear himself to anyone :)

I don’t know about either trade, but I think AK’s contract is killing the Jazz. I don’t think the Magic would even consider it really, especially after making it to the finals this season, trading for AK would totally change the dynamics of their team…. doesn’t make sense for them to do that.

by sherbs on Jun 17, 2009 5:15 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Vinsanity

I’ll pass.
I’d rather have Lewis (or Turkoglu) than Vince, for that matter.

As for the Magic, I think they need a big to better complement Howard. Lewis/Turkoglu is a great combo, but they’re both ’3’s’, and the team really needs a 4 to play alongside Howard. Booze would fit that (but he probably doesn’t fit that), and he does have a semblance of a jumper to keep the defense honest. AK doesn’t have as reliable a jumper, but has more distance on it. He can play the 4 (maybe even more-so in the East, where you’ve got the run-and-gun Knicks, Josh Smith and Andrea Bargnani and the likes) and could be a good complement to Howard as well.

True Blue Jazz
Bucco Ball
I'm on Twitter
RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on Jun 17, 2009 5:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Completely unrelated but...

UtesFan89 are you an Angels Fan and a Jazz fan ( i ask due to you Adenhart picture)… i thought i was pretty much one of a kind…. but i will happily be proven wrong

2009 Angels Season: Let's Do This For Nick

by trojanangelfan on Jun 17, 2009 9:13 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I favor the Angels in the AL too

but my real team is the Diamondbacks. And I know UtesFan’s real ream is the Pirates. We appreciate the Angels connection because they’re the parent club of the Salt Lake Bees, and Adenhart was a Bees alumnus.

Uh, do you think you could draw me like a ninja?

by Shums on Jun 17, 2009 9:39 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Shums is on the mark. I do follow the Angels a bit, but they’re not “my team”.

Adenhart pic… well, I needed one until the next Jazz draft pick or longer (my previous 2 have been Fesenko & The Koof)… and it fit. Let’s just say I was using it to silently protest drunk driving.

True Blue Jazz
Bucco Ball
I'm on Twitter
RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on Jun 17, 2009 10:16 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

And I was a huge Adenhart fan to boot

so it just seemed right.

True Blue Jazz
Bucco Ball
I'm on Twitter
RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on Jun 17, 2009 10:17 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shawn Marion?

no one is talking about Shawn Marion this offseason, but what about him throwing on a utah jersey?

i think we all agree that utah needs a big name if they want to hoist the trophy any time soon. i am not saying marion is that big name, but to bring up another point we need a big name.

what about a sign and trade with boozer for amare?

by P_Dizzle on Jun 18, 2009 3:45 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

lewis?

i don’t think orlando will give up lewis. besides i don’t want his huge contract. that’s a lot of money for a guy who plays behind the arc. at least with the space case that is ak we get an all around game. in 2 years we will be looking to dump his (lewis) salary.

by P_Dizzle on Jun 18, 2009 3:47 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Jordan Hill?

What about the Jazz trading to get the #5 pick from the Wizards and getting Jordan Hill? He would give us some interior defense.

by P_Dizzle on Jun 18, 2009 4:20 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

If we trade up that high

Lets go for Hasheem Thabeet….the next Dikembe.

"You can live for Nothing or die for Something, it's your call" - John Rambo

by Matt_Grbac on Jun 18, 2009 5:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seconded!

Thabeet is #1 or #2 on my “I want” list (up there with Johnny Flynn).

Hill wouldn’t be bad, but he’s probably too raw to get any time under j-slow (though that might fit Flynn too).

I wonder… anyone know anything about Danny Green (G/F, UNC)? Hollinger’s numbers really like him.

True Blue Jazz
Bucco Ball
I'm on Twitter
RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on Jun 18, 2009 8:47 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thabeet is a pipe dream

Memphis is going to trade down to Sacramento, because the Kings are DESPERATE for Ricky Rubio, and the Grizzlies know they can still get Thabeet at #4. That’s what I would do, anyway.

Then again, this is Chris Wallace we’re talking about.

Uh, do you think you could draw me like a ninja?

by Shums on Jun 18, 2009 9:20 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Thabeet & Flynn are my 2 pipe-dreams.
Like Corey Brewer a couple years back. (I’ve also had Thabo Sefolosha & Ryan Anderson atop my list in recent years, only to see them go right before the Jazz.)

True Blue Jazz
Bucco Ball
I'm on Twitter
RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on Jun 18, 2009 9:59 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Being a Syracuse fan I watched Flynn play a lot. He is a great floor general, can drive to the hoop, has great hops, and is very fast. Sometimes he tried to carry his team on his back too many times during the game and got caught up with tunnel vision. I think he is too good to back up DWill….Flynn will have his own team to run for sure.

As far as Danny Green….I am a fan of his. I would love to have him. He is a 6’6 SF in College. He is very athletic….his athleticism reminds me of Rip Hamilton, skinny guy who can run all day long. Danny plays excellent defense because of his wiry body that can jump very high. He actually blocked a good amount of shots for a SF. He can knock down the 3 too. I think he could be a shut down defender in the NBA. In his Senior season he averaged 13pts 4.7reb 2.7ast 1.8st 1.3blk…he also shot 47%FG 41%3pt 85%FT…..very nice stats for a 3rd/4th option player on UNC that only played 27minutes a game. He is also the only Tar Heel ever to register 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists, 100 blocks and 100 steals.

"You can live for Nothing or die for Something, it's your call" - John Rambo

by Matt_Grbac on Jun 18, 2009 9:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Green

I haven’t heard much about him anywhere, so I don’t know if he’d be a reach at #20 or not. But given Hollinger’s numbers, maybe he’s worth a look?

If nothing else, Almond is leaving. Korver might be going. AK could be traded. Harpring is done. CJ can be traded if need be. A wing might not be a bad choice.

True Blue Jazz
Bucco Ball
I'm on Twitter
RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on Jun 18, 2009 10:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds good to me

especially for defense.

I'll make it coach.

by MTN on Jun 19, 2009 8:02 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Draft prospects

I really like that DeJuan Blair kid. Hes tough, and has both nba rdy skills and potential. I wish my Magic can buy a pick into his range of the draft

by derekk on Jun 19, 2009 11:17 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Orlando would never go for that trade.

Their whole offense is predicated around having three point shooters, of which Lewis is outstanding and AK is under average.

If Boozer doesn’t opt out, I think McGrady is who I would like to see in a Jazz uniform. Boozer, Miles, and Harpring would do the trick. If Boozer doesn’t opt out we lose Millsap. So move AK to the 4, and hope McGrady is healthy for the playoffs. Next year, the Jazz get alot of cap room, when his contract expires. If he would sign for cheap, great, if not replace him with that great Knicks pick… impact swings are the easiest players to draft in the top five, and that probably where that pick will be.

by Frank5 on Jun 18, 2009 10:34 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs